Coach praises hard-working squad

Wales U19 Coach Justin Burnell has praised the work ethic of his squad and coaching team after qualifying for the semi-finals of the IRB U19 World Championships.

Wales U19 will face New Zealand U19 at Belfast's Ravenhill Stadium on Tuesday after rounding off their Pool games with a 29-0 victory over Argentina on Friday night.

Burnell commented, "We came here with the aim of achieving a top four finish. We can be pleased that we have done that, and be excited about our next two games in the championship.

"If we are to improve and move forward as a nation, we have to get out of our comfort zone and play regularly against the best sides in the world - the Southern Hemisphere sides. We have already played New Zealand, Samoa and Argentina in Pool matches, now we have New Zealand again on Tuesday, then either Australia or South Africa in our final match of the Championships.

"I am thrilled for this group of players and management. They are an extremely honest bunch and they are unsung heroes of Welsh rugby in a way. For many of them, this is the first taste of international rugby and they have all worked hard and just got on with whatever has been put in front of them."

Burnell will return to Wales on Sunday as his Principality Premiership side Cardiff take on Bridgend in the Konica Minolta Cup semi-final at Sardis Road.

"It is great to have two sides in two semi-finals this week. Cardiff are in a similar position to the U19 team in that they have worked hard this season and it is a fantastic achievement in itself that they have made it to the Cup semis.

"It is testament to the relationships in place within Welsh rugby at present that I am able to return home for Cardiff's Cup semi. It shows the importance the WRU places on the Premiership as a development tool for our future regional and international players."

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